Consider the Gift of Donating this Holiday Season

I think we all agree that the world doesn’t need another coffee mug, pair of festive socks, keychain or knick-knack.

It does however need more generosity of spirit, advocacy and good works. Many Big Carrot shoppers are very conscious consumers. They appreciate natural products and don’t enjoy adding to our landfills with unwanted gifts. This ethos can be challenged come holiday season. The days are short and the gift lists can grow long. I respect that many folks choose to opt out of gift giving entirely in exchange for quality time together. I admit I still love to celebrate with the giving of gifts. Some years I find time to make homemade treats (with varying ratios of success and Pinterest fails) but other times I need a simpler plan. I find making one global donation and gifting a small token to symbolize my contribution to be a satisfying alternative. This idea takes the bite out of the gift giving decision-making process. It is also low stress and friendly to your budget and the planet.

Here’s what to do:

Choose a theme for this season’s gift giving. Maybe it is wellness, peace or community.

Choose an organization that symbolizes your theme and resonates with your personal values. See a list of organizations the Big Carrot likes to support below to jumpstart your thinking.

Choose a small gift that can represent your theme.

Make a donation that fits your budget (minus what your small token gifts will cost you).

Write a personal message that explains what inspired your giving and the connection between the donations and how that connects to your gift-y.

Enjoy your mulled cider and let the gifting begin.

Classroom teacher, hostess gift, Aunt Sylvia, office secret Santa…no matter your recipient this simple tip should do the trick- you can feel good that this holiday season you gave a thoughtful, gift that kept on giving.

At The Big Carrot we are committed to making a positive contribution to our neighbourhood and our sector. We are proud to donate a percentage of our annual profits back to our communities. We support non-profit organizations that provide on-going services within our community and whose goals are consistent with The Big Carrot mission statement. Here are three much loved organizations that we support.

Canadian Organic Growers (COG)

A national charitable organization with members across Canada. Their mission is to lead communities towards sustainable organic stewardship of land, food and fiber while respecting nature, upholding social justice and protecting natural resources.

The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN)

Canada’s watchdog on the use of Genetic Engineering in food and farming, providing research and rapid response on a range of GM issues that concern consumers, farmers, food manufacturers and retailers. CBAN is the go-to source for accurate and current information on the status of GMOs in Canada, policy changes and action.

The Riverdale Share Community Association (RSCA)

A registered non-profit, volunteer-driven organization. Since 1991, the all-volunteer organization has hosted a concert that brings together some of Toronto’s most celebrated artists to entertain this dynamic, vibrant community. They have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and truckloads of food for children and families in need in our community.

Ideas:

Theme

Organization

Token

Possible Gift Tag

Health

COGv

Organic Seed Packet

Sow the seeds of love this holiday season. With gratitude and a prayer for our planet I have made this donation on your behalf.

Pollinators

CBAN

Beeswax Candle

It is often the little things that have the biggest impact. Thanks for all you do to impact our community.Happy Holidays, with gratitude and a prayer for our planet I have made this donation on your behalf.

Community

Riverdale Share

Fair Trade Chocolate

“All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.“ Charles M.Schulz.